Curator of Primates

GENERAL SUMMARY

Responsible for the care and wellbeing of a large and diverse non-human primate population, the associated facilities, staff, department safety, budgets and animal population management. Leads by example to create a positive and cohesive team dynamic to advance department goals and zoo-wide initiatives. The curator is charged with overall direction of the department while the zoological manager is charged with its day-to-day implementation. As a senior member of the animal care team, develops and implements animal department programs, policies and procedures, participates in facilities design, learning program development, donor cultivation, and collaborates on conservation, research, and advocacy initiatives. Curators serve as a manager on duty for the zoo and lead response or assist in emergencies at the zoo. This position works closely with the Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes research team housed at the Regenstein Center for African Apes and reports to the General Curator.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Manages zoo housed primates in the department and provides guidance and assistance with primates managed in other departments, develops and implements the Zoo’s Species Plan, recommends and implements acquisitions and dispositions, develops and maintains appropriate AZA breeding programs, establishes proper nutritional programs with nutritionist, establishes and participates in animal husbandry procedures, including training and enrichment, manages animal health in collaboration with veterinary staff and through departmental staff; oversees and assists in the monitoring of care for the animals; oversees record keeping and inventories.
• Develops, participates in or facilitates primate research initiatives, including behavioral monitoring (ZooMonitor), touch-screen cognitive programming, opportunistic biospecimen sample collection, and other Research Committee approved projects to gain a better understanding of the behavior, group dynamics, biology and welfare of the animals in their charge.
• Advances the mission of the zoo through leading, coordinating and contributing to conservation programs. Collaborates with the Learning department on programs and interpretation; manages and/or participates in Species Survival Plan programs at institutional, regional, national and international levels.
• Enhances the scientific management of zoo housed primates through the following means: utilizing ZooMonitor data collection and reports; conducting non-invasive research; collaborating with universities; supporting or collaborating on field projects; systematizing record keeping, and other activities that promote the use of the zoo and its facilities and animals as a platform for scientific research to benefit species management and conservation.
• Work closely with the scientific and intern staff of the Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes to coordinate research needs at the Regenstein Center for African Apes, Helen Brach Primate House, and Regenstein Macaque Forest buildings.
• Formulates and implements animal care department management policies and procedures consistent with the zoo’s mission and goals. Participates in the formulation of animal management policies.
• Oversees management of the department facilities and equipment - assists in the design of exhibits, buildings, animal service areas, public areas. Oversees management of the department staff
  • assembles in the hiring and development of staff, team building, conduct regular building meetings, ensures compliance with policies and procedures including necessary participation in counseling sessions and disciplinary proceedings.
• Works with the behavioral husbandry and enrichment team to look for opportunities to use operant conditioning and goal based environmental enrichment to enhance the care, exhibits and welfare of the animals.
• Works with the Welfare team within Animal Care to assess animal welfare to comply with AZA standards and provide continuous habitat and process improvements, working toward better welfare outcomes.
• With zoological manager and lead keeper, oversee training and enrichment program for compliance and regular assessment to advance these programs.
• Develop and manages the department budgets, prioritizes needs, monitors expenditures and balances, and prepares necessary reports. Makes decisions for the most effective use of budgeted funds.
• Oversees all department animal acquisitions and transfers, ensuring transactions are compliant with zoo policy. Work with Animal Records and Permit Manager to comply with all local, state, federal, foreign and international laws regarding acquisition, maintenance, health, shipment and welfare of the animals.
• Participates in senior animal care staff duties, serves as liaison to other zoo departments, engages in donor cultivation as requested by the Development department, promotes good public relations, serves as manager on duty, ensures that institutional policies and procedures are maintained, participates in primate and related professional organizations, and performs other duties as assigned.
• Will be part of the zoo’s emergency response team with duties that could include leading the response to an emergency, acting as the information officer during an emergency, supporting emergency response efforts, participating in immobilization teams including use of capture equipment and possible inclusion on the emergency weapons team.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• May be called on to represent the zoo to external donor, community, scientific and government groups.
• May be called on to substitute for supervisor during temporary absences by performing specified duties and responsibilities to maintain continuity of operations. Similarly, may be called on to perform duties of team members or co-workers, if required.
• Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Comprehensive knowledge of the zoo’s mission, vision, and strategic plan.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles of zoo housed non-human primate care and welfare.
• Thorough knowledge of the requirements of the animals in their charge.
• Considerable knowledge of primate species, behaviors, habitats and welfare.
• A working knowledge and awareness of zoonotic diseases and their prevention, specifically with macaques and other NHPs.
• Knowledge of two lock/two key safety lock system.
• Knowledgeable of the concepts, practices and compliance issues of personnel management.
• Sound administrative skills. Well-developed management skills – principles and people.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills. Ability to get along with diverse groups. Tactful, mature.
• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to represent the Society in a professional manner at all times.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in emergency situations and to respond with appropriate action.
• Ability to compose technical detailed birth management, introduction, and transport plans, and records of various aspects of animal care and welfare.
• Ability to compose technical and popular reports on various aspects of zoo housed animals, care and welfare, and modern zoological practices.
• Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, zoo visitors and general public.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Master’s degree in zoology or a related field is preferred.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

At least ten years’ animal care experience, five of which have been in a supervisory capacity. Expertise in operant conditioning techniques and environmental enrichment programs. Husbandry and management experience with African-Eurasian and New World monkeys, prosimians, and apes in an accredited zoo is preferred. Demonstrated experience managing multiple teams in a positive and productive work environment. Note: A comparable combination of education, experience or training that would provide the level of knowledge, skills and ability required may qualify individuals.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work at computer for long periods.
• Ability to traverse zoo grounds to conduct tours, respond to emergencies.
• Ability to drive vehicles such as an electric cart, pick-up truck, and Sprinter van.
• Ability to publicly address audiences of varying sizes.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment, such as a surgical face mask and nitrile or latex gloves, for long periods.
• Risk exposure to fairly predictable and controllable hazards associated with wild animals and zoonotic diseases.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Regularly scheduled rotational weekend manager on duty assignment that usually includes a 5-day workweek followed by a 4-day workweek.
• Available to work special events that may occur outside of regular work schedule, including evenings, weekends or holidays, as assigned.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Current TB test.
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccine.

LINCOLN PARK ZOO BENEFITS

• Free admission to many other Chicago cultural institutions.
• Free on-site parking anytime with access to Lincoln Park, Lakeshore Trail, and North Avenue Beach.
• Discounts on event tickets (free admission to select events), attractions, dining, and retail at the zoo.
• Quarterly staff mingle events and “LPZooU” training and educational sessions about the zoo, wildlife, ecology, and related subjects.
• Company contribution to Health Savings Account (Medical PPO only).
• A working environment with green spaces and regularly available visits with wildlife!

Salary range: $83 – $88,000